Plugin Updated Jul 16

EDD - Software Licensing

by Easy Digital Downloads easydigitaldownloads.com v3.9.7 Unlimited sites

EDD - Software Licensing is a WordPress plugin that adds license key handling to an Easy Digital Downloads store. It creates a unique key for each purchase, controls how many sites can use it and delivers automatic updates to customers who hold a valid key.

Version: 3.9.7
Released: Jun 29, 2026
Developer: Easy Digital Downloads
Type: WordPress plugin
Licence: GPL
Included in: Every plan, or $3.99 on its own

What’s new in EDD - Software Licensing 3.9.7

Version 3.9.7 · Jun 29, 2026 Latest

NewBlocks: NEW license renewal block added, with options to show a user’s current licenses for easier renewal handling.
NewBlocks: NEW license management block added.
ImprovedAccessibility: Headings on the license management shortcode have been updated.
FixedAdmin: The licenses admin table counts could be incorrect when filters were applied.
ImprovedAdmin: The licenses admin table filters now support individual product variations.
ImprovedAPI: Improved license checks for API requests.
ImprovedDatabase: The legacy database class has been updated for better cache management.
ImprovedMessaging: Error messaging has been updated to follow EDD core practices.

What it does

If you sell plugins, themes or other software through Easy Digital Downloads, you need a way to tie each sale to a key, limit where it can be used and send updates only to paying customers. This add-on handles that inside the store you already run. Keys are generated automatically at purchase, and access to protected files and updates is limited to customers with a valid key, so you keep control over how your products are distributed.

Day to day, you manage everything from an admin table where you can monitor, activate, deactivate and revoke keys, with filters that work down to individual product variations. You choose site limits and expiration terms, which lets you run renewal-based or perpetual models. Customers get their own area to view and manage their keys, including blocks for license management and renewals. A REST API lets outside applications verify keys, and reports cover activations, expirations and renewals.

Best for

WordPress plugin and theme developers selling their own products
Software businesses running stores on Easy Digital Downloads
Agencies distributing paid tools to client sites

Features

Automatic key generation

A unique license key is created for every purchase, so each sale is tied to a specific customer and product without any manual work on your part.

Site activation limits

Set how many sites or devices a single key can be used on, giving you flexible terms such as single-site or multi-site options.

Automatic software updates

Customers with a valid key receive updates to your plugins, themes or applications automatically, including new features and security fixes you release.

Custom expiration and renewals

Define how long a key lasts and how renewals work, so you can offer renewal-based plans or perpetual keys depending on your business model.

Central admin management

Monitor, activate, deactivate and revoke keys from one admin table, with filters that support individual product variations for more precise searching.

Customer self-service blocks

Customers can view and manage their keys through a management block or shortcode, and a renewal block shows their current keys to make renewing simple.

REST API verification

External applications and services can check key validity through the REST API, which helps when your software runs outside WordPress.

Reporting on key activity

Reports cover activations, expirations and renewals, giving you a clear picture of how customers use and renew your products over time.

EDD - Software Licensing older versions

3.9.6May 133 improvements, 2 fixes
3.9.5Apr 105 improvements, 1 fix, 1 security fix
3.9.3Dec 27, 20258 improvements, 4 fixes
3.9.1Nov 5, 2025

Members and buyers of this product can download older versions.

Questions about EDD - Software Licensing

Does this work with my existing Easy Digital Downloads store?

Yes. It is an add-on for Easy Digital Downloads, so key management lives inside your current store setup. Keys are created for purchases you already process, and you manage them from the same admin area you use for orders and products.

Can I limit how many websites a customer uses my plugin on?

Yes. You can set an activation limit for each key, which controls how many sites or devices it can be activated on. This lets you sell options such as single-site and multi-site plans for the same product.

Can my customers manage and renew their keys on their own?

Yes. A customer area lets buyers view and manage their keys, and there are blocks for license management and renewals. The renewal block can list a customer's current keys so they can renew them easily.

Is EDD - Software Licensing free?

The code of EDD - Software Licensing is licensed under the GPL, so anyone may use, change and share it. GPL Feast is a paid service: a plan or a single purchase gives you the download and automatic updates. The developer's own support, licence key and online services are not included.

Which version of EDD - Software Licensing is this?

Version 3.9.7, released Jun 29, 2026. New versions appear here when the developer publishes them, and members get them as automatic updates.

How do I update EDD - Software Licensing?

Install the free GPL Feast Updater on your site and connect it with your API key. It installs new versions of EDD - Software Licensing automatically and keeps a backup, so you can roll back.